The potentially biggest story of the day for Chicago soccer fans was the announcement that the United Soccer League has entered into an agreement with the Major Indoor Soccer League to combine forces for the 2011-2012 season. The Chicago Riot run by Chicago soccer legend Peter Wilt played in the 2010-2011 MISL season. However, when USL and MISL listed the seven teams that 'at least' will be in the league, Chicago was noticeably absent: Baltimore, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Wichita, Norfolk, Syracuse, and Rochester. The Chicago Riot released a statement on Twitter but also replied to our inquiry with this statement:
Chicago Riot hopes to return to the MISL in 2011-12, but at this time the Riot's investor group is not complete. Until sufficient capital is raised to fund the team for three seasons, we will not be able to commit.
We wish the Chicago Riot luck in their off-season. Investing in the team certainly got much more attractive. The United Soccer League and Major Indoor Soccer League should team up for a higher quality product and the Chicago Riot have the rookie bumps out of the way. If Peter Wilt put together a good club in less than a month, think of what he can do with a couple of months to spare. Check out the story on MISL/USL coming to Syracuse and Wichita. Follow the break for stories featuring the Fire's Reserve League game this morning, soccer brawls, Roma's interest in Landon Donovan, Colorado getting a new sponsor and more.
Chicago Fire Related
Fire Reserve Game @ TP, Tuesday 5/17 11:00AM - Section 8 Chicago
Check out the Chicago Fire Reserves game today at Toyota Park at 11:00 AM
Giovanni Hernandez's Status - Twitter
The rumored Colombian player Giovanni Hernandez claims the Chicago Fire are after him on Twitter. Take it for what it's worth.
Vote for AT&T Goal of the Week: Wk. 9 | MLSsoccer.com
Pappa's free kick goal is up for Goal of the Week. Vote Early, Vote Often.
Fire Launch Youth Academy | Chicago Fire Soccer Club
Player Development Update | Chicago Fire Soccer Club
Weekly Notes | Chicago Fire Soccer Club
By The Numbers | Chicago Fire Soccer Club
In case you missed the latest Chicago Fire stories, here they are. There's no stopping Jeff Crandall ladies and gentlemen.
Fire Fight Back, Earn Fourth Straight Draw | News
On Fire: Stealing a point at BMO Field | MLSsoccer.com
Two more recaps of Toronto FC vs. Chicago Fire. One from Krause, the other from Stejskal
Non-Chicago Soccer Related
Porsche? Really? Rapids possibly on verge of adding Porsche as a sponsor? - Burgundy Wave
Could Colorado be getting Porsche as their jersey sponsor? It might just be for something smaller but there's an interesting tease in there.
Stoking Rivalry In The Right Way: Seattle and Portland’s Tifo Battle | Pitch Invasion
Dunmore writing about the fans... and you probably already clicked to read.
AS Roma Looking To Sign Landon Donovan? - SBNation.com
I wouldn't complain...
VIDEO: Massive Brawl Overshadows Monarcas Morelia-Cruz Azul Match - SBNation.com
That's some madness right there.
HE'S INTERESTED Ramos wants to be considered for U-20 post - Big Apple Soccer
Tab Ramos is interesting in coaching, eh?
Soccer By Ives: Davies to miss "a couple of weeks" with hamstring injury
As much as I don't want to see DC United play well, I don't want to rain on Charlie Davies comeback parade either. We wish him a speedy return.
du Nord: du Nord Presents: A Look At The Relegation Battles Across Europe's 5 Biggest Leagues
du Nord has his annual Relegation Battle postings. Great quick snapshots of which teams are falling off the tables.
Don Garber Tells Las Vegas That MLS Is Listening About Expansion - SBNation.com
Las Vegas is the largest United State Metropolitan area without a professional sports team. I keep hearing they are the 10th largest TV market too. If there's a good ownership group, count me in as a supporter.
YouTube - All 50 Giorgio Chinaglia goals to break the record 1980
This popped up on my radar. I thought I would share it given the fact I mentioned the New York Cosmos documentary yesterday.
MLS National Sales Center Completes Fifth Session | The Business of Sports
I was unaware this program existed. It is an interesting look at the work that goes into working in MLS sales. Chicago Fire rep Jacob Hanselman is mentioned by name and quoted. Congratulations to Jacob for graduating from Session IV.
WPSL kicks off 15th season " Our Game Magazine
The Chicago Red Stars' new league kicks off the season.
NHL Retreat From Atlanta Far From Strategic - The Toronto Star
This might seem non-MLS related but it serves as a point that Atlanta is not that great of a sports market. Also, don't even think about any other Canadian markets after Montreal.
NFL Lockout Remains As Courts Grant Stay - SBNation.com
The MLS season does not overlap too much with the NFL but this is an interesting development nevertheless.